PETS: Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer

Thursday

Judging by the heat and humidity, the proverbial dog days of summer are upon us.

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Judging by the heat and humidity, the proverbial dog days of summer are upon us.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac lists “traditional” dog days lasting from July 3 to Aug. 11, though various Old World cultures set the “dog days” from late July through August. Ancient Romans associated hot weather with the “dog star,” Sirius, and sacrificed a brown dog to appease its hot anger.

We don’t advocate that kind of behavior. In fact, we encourage the opposite — enjoying the summer season alongside your loyal and lovable pooch.

And there are lots of ways to do so this summer — as well as several ideas that may not involve Rover directly, but might call him to mind.

By local ordinance, owners are responsible and liable for the actions and behavior of their dogs, and must clean up after their dogs by placing waste in the proper disposal stations. Make sure your dog is current on its shots and wears I.D. tags.

Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Do not bring female dogs in season or dogs younger than 4 months old, and bring no more than two dogs per person. Food in bowls or long-lasting chewies are not allowed.

If you have questions or concerns about pets in beach parks and public areas, call 233-5045.

Dining, Shopping, Lodging

Dining with pets is permitted only in designated outdoor areas that are not enclosed, heated or cooled. In Panama City Beach, that includes areas at Hook’d Pier Bar and Grill, Shuckums on the Beach, and Salty Sue’s. Bay Families with Dogs also lists Liza’s Kitchen as a pup-friendly restaurant.

Salty Sue’s, 17501 Panama City Beach Parkway, is home to the dog-friendly event known as “Yappy Hour.” Call for details and schedule: 234-8485.

Pier Park is pet-friendly, allowing pets on leash to accompany owners on the outdoor sidewalks and parks. Ron Jon’s Surf Shop in the outdoor mall allows dogs inside that can be carried. Otherwise, dogs are not allowed inside stores or restaurants.

For more information about any of these locations, visit the Dining and Accommodations pages at PanamaCity.com.

ShellIsland

Dogs can visit Shell Island, the barrier island that protects St. Andrew Bay from the Gulf of Mexico, thanks to efforts by Bay Families with Dogs to designate a dog-friendly zone. According to their website, boaters should navigate to the center point of the island, a residential subdivision called “Spanish Ante.” It is not part of St. Andrews State Park. The group also suggests that those who don’t own a boat can rent from pet-friendly Scotty Boat Rentals (ScottyBoatRentals.com).

The Baying of the Hound

SEASIDE — That uproar you hear over the dunes may be the supernatural call of “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” but it’s probably just the howls of laughter coming from the comedy’s audience. This version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most celebrated Sherlock Holmes story is being played for laughs at the Seaside Repertory Theatre in Seaside at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Aug. 3. Tickets: $30. Details: SeasideRep.org.

Too Dog-Gone Cute

PANAMA CITY — The Humane Society of Bay County has launched its annual “Calendar Friends” photo contest, inviting the public to submit photos of pets fora chance to win prizes and appear in the 2014 calendar. Visit AdoptMe.org and submit your picture (and a $10 entry fee), then visit the Pet List page to see how submissions are currently ranked.

Each vote costs $1, and there’s no limit on how many times a person can vote. The 26 winners will grace the pages of the annual calendar, with the first prize winner featured on the cover. Contest ends Aug. 3, with a finale party. If you don’t have a picture available, you can attend a photo shoot from noon to 4 p.m. on July 20 at John Lee Nissan. Details: AdoptMe.org.

Ask for a Doggy Bag

PANAMA CITY — The annual Wine Dog Wine Dinner to benefit the Humane Society of Bay County will be July 20 at Bonefish Grill on 23rd Street. Four different wines will be paired with food, including four different appetizers, salad, an entree selection and dessert, with select wines available for tasting.

The food is donated by Bonefish Grill, the wine is donated by Republic National, and the guest list includes a lot of Wine Dog customers. Seating is limited; call The Wine Dog at 785-6835 to make your reservation. Tickets are $65 per person. The shop also will be leasing wine lockers at Bonefish.

“Every year, we look forward to this very special dinner that benefits The Humane Society of Bay County,” said Terri Davidson of The Wine Dog, promoting the event. “The proceeds go to a cause that is close to our hearts.”

If you aren’t familiar, The Wine Dog is a retail store at 103 W. 23rd St. that offers craft beer and cigars. It features a cigar lounge, wine room with wine by the glass or bottle, a wine cellar, walk-in humidor and outside bistro deck. Details: TheWineDog.net.

Meet the Artists

PANAMA CITY— Artists interpreting the cool breezes, the shimmering sand and the sultry sizzle of summer is the theme of “Dog Days,” the latest exhibit at CityArts Cooperative, 318 Luverne Ave., Panama City. The show can be viewed 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday through Aug. 31, but you can also meet the artists at a free reception 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 3. Details: 769-0608 or CityArtsCooperative.com.

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